Hailed “Hoquiam’s Theatre Beautiful” by newspapers upon its grand opening in 1928, the 7th Street Theatre continues to inspire and capture hearts in the community as one of the few remaining atmospheric-style theatres on the West Coast. Recognized on the State and National Register of Historic Places, the theatre’s distinctive charm goes well beyond architecture to intertwine with the community’s history, spirit and stories.
“I think the Theatre is so special because of its presence in so many lives,” says Meredith Bullard, 7th Street Theatre manager. “I love the way people gasp when they walk into the auditorium and get the first glimpse of the beautiful sky, then the murals and, of course, the twinkle lights,” she adds jovially. “It is so much fun!”
The interior of the 7th Street Theatre is simply stunning and the first of its type in the Pacific Northwest. Expect to experience a simulated evening under the stars within a Spanish Moorish Courtyard. The lighting goes from daylight to evening (rose to pink lights) and gradually darkens to night revealing a full ceiling of stars. “It has the feeling of being outdoors,” shares Bullard. “The sky is lavender, not blue, and it is a true Pacific Northwest sky.”
Patrons proceed up either of two elegantly curved ramps to the spacious theater with cascading rows of seats. “Every single seat is original for the spot it was built,” explains Bullard. “The theatre is available for everybody,” she adds. “Since its beginning, it has been community-minded.”
When you walk into the 7th Street Theatre you are greeted by an ornamental carpet reminiscent of the original carpeting, adorned by a mosaic-tiled fountain once filled with goldfish. The fountain no longer runs, but the craftsmanship of the fountain remains as an artful reminder of the theater’s quality and top-tier architectural design.
Another notable design element (there are many) is the wood around the door and fountain entry. The patterns are sandblasted Douglas fir. “After the lobby was repainted, plastered and a new carpet was installed in 2010,” shares Bullard, “we had the current concessions stand built per our specifications by the Washington State Correctional Industries who also refurbished the theatre seats.”
Historic 7th Street Theatre’s Entertainment Evolution
The Theatre initially featured vaudeville troupes and silent movies. In 1929, the talkies entered. During the Great Depression on movie nights, there were free dishes given out. They also had bank nights, keno nights and amateur nights. Patrons were lined up around the corner. The Grays Harbor Theatre also featured numerous famous entertainers, including Will Rogers and Lilly Pons. “Supposedly, the MGM Lion was filmed on the stage,” shares Bullard. “And I heard recently there was a raffle for a wedding back in the earliest days. The wedding happened, and the house was packed – 1100 people – plus many standing to watch the happy couple.”
Today the 7th Street Theatre hosts monthly events, including community concerts, family-friendly feature films and Silver Screen Classics, children’s summer theatre, High School Performances, Grays Harbor Pageant, Veteran’s Day Concerts and more. You can rent the theater for events too. The concession stand has popcorn with real sweet cream butter, a variety of soft drinks and candies. “We love to have suggestions on movies, favorite candy, and other movie-related input,” says Bullard. “We want the entire area to come to a movie and enjoy a day or evening in the downtown area.”
7th Street Theatre’s Historical Significance
7th Street Theatre was built in 1928 during an era of rapid growth and prosperity for Grays Harbor County, according to “Hoquiam’s Theatre Beautiful: The 7th Street Story” written by John Larson, director of Hoquiam’s Polson Museum. As a result, the 7th Street Theatre reflected the optimism of the times. Hoquiam was transforming with new development. “The 7th Street Theatre was the brainchild of Ed Dolan and O.T. Taylor of the newly formed Hoquiam Amusement Company,” writes Larson. He further explains that as president of the corporation, Dolan was publicly regarded as the “financial genius” who secured $175,000 to construct the new theatre. The building’s overall aesthetic design is credited to Dolan’s principal associate, Taylor, a “wizard of artistic visualization.” Dolan and Taylor teamed up locally with Hoquiam architect Edwin St. John Griffith and the Seattle firm Huntington & Torbitt to develop plans for the project.
Restoration and Preservation of Grays Harbor’s Historic Theater
Ongoing restoration under the 7th Street Theatre Association that owns the historic treasure has brought the theatre back to life. Teams of volunteers and experts have worked tirelessly, facing the complexities of maintaining a nearly century-old building. This dedication has included everything from restoring original architectural elements to updating technical equipment for modern use.
One particularly enchanting feature is the original Wurlitzer organ, a vintage treasure that continues to add an authentic, old-world touch to performances. “As was the case in 1928, our theatre will again serve as the anchor for downtown Hoquiam’s renewal,” shares Larson. “It endures as a national landmark, as its timeless beauty continues to awe every new generation that steps through its doors.”
